I hate the sunshine. There, I said it 🤭 I love downpours and Christmastime and all things winter, so the minute those little pink flowers start blooming and the sun peeks through the clouds, I get super nostalgic for those three frigid months of cold. (By frigid I mean 50-60 degrees. I’m a Californian, what can I say 😬 However, I do think snow + I would be besties). I’m probably in the minority on that (sorry to all the sun enthusiasts out there), but lately I’ve been trying to focus on the parts of spring I actually love:

I love adding a drop or two of a Young Living Vitality citrus oil to my glass water bottle for the flavor + antioxidant boost!

ps — how cute is this water bottle from Target!? I got it in the dollar section and it comes in a bunch of other colors so I bought this one and a white one because $3 for a glass water bottle is cheap and look how cute!!

**I only recommend ingesting Young Living Vitality essential oils since those are specifically made for ingestion. Also, make sure you’re using glass when ingesting an eo!**

aaaaaand:

4. all the happy music! — technically happy songs are always available, but something about spring makes me want to bust out all the upbeat tunes + have 24/7 dance parties.

Speaking of music, I create a playlist every season based on what I’m listening to, what’s new or what feels right for the season. I made a Spring 2019 one that I’ll be adding to throughout the season AND I also made a ‘dancing in the kitchen’ playlist (filled with every upbeat, feel-good, sing-a-long tune I could think of) … *applause erupts* I know, I know, you’re welcome *takes bow* 😜 I’ve tested that last one out and can confirm it’s A+ material for all your kitchen dance parties or for belting out in the shower 👍🏼

My perfect day consists of baggy sweatpants, an old t-shirt, a good playlist and rain for days. (Also, Northern Lights Black Spruce in the diffuser. If ya know, ya know). If you’re new around here, winter is my absolute favorite season. As a Californian, the closest I get to cold weather is the occasional rain and thunderstorm. As per usual, I’ve been stalking the weather app the past week because rain is in the forecast (a miracle from up above, let me tell ya). I’m happy to report it finally rained the other night, so I’m happy as a clam! (How does someone know if a clam is happy? Who came up with that phrase?). In other words, I’m living my best life right now.

Most people have fun in the sun; I dazzle in the drizzle. (Literally just laughed out loud at that and felt like Snoop Dogg as I typed it. I think I’m tired).

Here are some of my favorite artists for those winter-weather days (plus my rainy day playlist down below because sharing is caring). Happy listening!

1. Bon Iver

Bon Iver is probably on everyone’s winter playlist, but there’s a good reason for that. Justin Vernon’s voice is earthy, emotional and everything I’d ever want for rainy day listening (or any weather, really).

Notables:

2. dermot Kennedy

I stumbled upon Irish singer Dermot Kennedy sometime last year and I haven’t stopped listening to him since. No, really. I don’t think I’ve gone a day without listening to his discography — he’s that good! The singer-songwriter’s music is packed with grit and raw emotion (to say the least), and I have a feeling he’s going to be selling out stadiums sooner than you think.

Notables:

3. novo Amor

Whenever I think of my favorite artists, Novo Amor immediately comes to mind. His voice is incredibly soothing and organic, and the music he creates is so pretty I could cry. I’m not kidding — Novo Amor’s musical catalog feels like a beautiful lullaby. Bonus points: he supports sustainability — just check out his video for “Birthplace.”

Notables:

4. Novo Amor + Ed Tullett

Beyoncé and Jay-Z? Peanut butter and jelly? Mario and Luigi? No, no, no. Novo Amor and Ed Tullett. Their musical styles intertwine so seamlessly, it’s a match made in heaven. Simply put, they’re one of the best duos of all duos in the history of duos that’ve ever duo-ed. (Say that five times fast). Praying for more of their collaborations in the near future.

Notables:

5. Sleeping At Last

Known by the moniker Sleeping At Last, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ryan O'Neal creates musical masterpieces. His songs are works of art, each one intricately detailed and full of depth. You may or may not hear him grace a “Grey’s Anatomy” episode every now and then, too.

Notables:

6. Ásgeir

Breaking news: Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir is one of the most musically talented human beings I’ve ever heard. Listening to his music feels like a dream that I want to live in forever. P.S. all the songs below are in English, but he has Icelandic versions of them, too! I highly recommend both.

Notables:

7. William Fitzsimmons

Singer-songwriter William Fitzsimmons is soothing acoustic music if I ever did hear it. If he’s not on any of your playlists, he needs to be! His music gives me heavy coffee shop vibes and I am here for it.

Notables:

8. noah gundersen

Last but not least, Noah Gundersen’s musical library is one I could spend hours combing through. Lucky for us, the indie-folk musician has released hit after hit the past decade, so I have no doubt you’ll find your Gundersen favorite soon.

Notables:

Hey! I’m Kassi, a twenty-something from good ol’ California. I love words, design and large cups of coffee. Most days you’ll find me in yoga pants, listening to Coldplay + diffusing some Northern Lights Black Spruce. Stay a while + say hey!